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Bucks President Peter Feigin (center) holds a key to the new arena at a ceremony Tuesday marking the completion of the facility. With Feigin are Mike Sorge (left), project director with Mortenson Construction, and Jesse Kemp, senior project manager with Mortenson Construction. Mike De Sisti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Doors from the new Bucks arena lead to the entryway of the ticket office. It's a state-of-the-art box office that's open, without glass partitions separating customers from ticket sellers. Mike De Sisti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Peter Feigin, president of the Milwaukee Bucks, signs a contract taking control of the arena as Mike Sorge (left), project director with Mortenson Construction, watches. Mike De Sisti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

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Milwaukee Oktoberfest has been in operation for eight consecutive years by Swarmm Events, a downtown Milwaukee firm. It's been held at Cathedral Square Park, the lakefront, and, most recently, in Pere Marquette Park, said Swarmm owner Michael Sampson.

He said a more permanent venue was needed and the Bucks plaza was an appealing option.

"I approached them," Sampson said. "They were looking for things to book there."

Swarmm has booked a variety of polka bands from around the Midwest. The Oktoberfest event will also include a stein hoisting competition, brat eating contest and wiener dog show, Sampson said.

“German restaurants, bars and architecture can be seen across our great city, so it is important for us to keep this event moving forward and to continue growing each year,” Sampson said.

The Bucks' food service contractor, Levy, will handle food and beverage sales for the Oktoberfest, Sampson said.

Sampson said his company specializes in events aimed at 21- through 35-year-olds living in the city. Other events staged by Swarmm include the Shamrock Shuffle, Milwaukee Tacofest and the Milwaukee Wingfest.

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Time lapse: Construction of the Milwaukee Bucks new arena
Mike De Sisti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel